Koraput,1st Aug 2025: Andhra Sapuri has taken over the Koraput market. Two tribal women are bringing sapuri from Andhra and selling it in Koraput city—earning a good income of nearly two paise per unit. Moreover, on the city’s roadside, these sapuri stalls attract many who stop by to make purchases.
The women carefully select and carry the sapuri home. The cost is minimal; even a bundle of around ten or slightly larger quantities is sold for 20 rupees. Currently, Andhra Sapuri is in high demand in Koraput city. Bidhei Harijan from Kusumi village in the Kotapada block of Koraput district and Chandrama Harijan from Kundura block both procure sapuri from the Andhra region and sell it on the roadside along the national highway in Koraput.
Because the price of sapuri is lower in Andhra, they purchase it directly from the local farmers. The sapuri is then transported by pickup van to Koraput city. In Koraput, the main road at No. 26—near the busy Kala Niketan Chowk on the National Highway—provides an ideal spot for sales.
Much like admiring a beautiful mountain view, the attractive appearance of the sapuri causes passersby to stop and buy. With low prices, the product appeals to everyone from the poor to the rich. By evening, almost all of the sapuri is sold, and the two businesswomen return to their villages by bus, they say.
While collecting the sapuri, the women also bring along Andhra “ada” (a complementary item) and sell it as well, thereby ensuring a sustainable livelihood. In doing so, these two tribal women have set an example by becoming economically self-reliant—sourcing various products from outside the state without depending on anyone.